The start of a residential project called Nilabagh, for which $71 million has been invested by a Chinese company, was celebrated in Kabul on Sunday.

According to officials at the Ministry of Urban Development and Land, this project will include 1,400 residential apartments across 56 blocks, and is planned to be completed under the supervision of this ministry within 3 years.

“In the Nilabagh township, 1,400 residential homes will be built in 56 blocks, and surrounding them commercial buildings will be constructed where Afghan investors can invest,” said Hamdullah Nomani, the acting Minister of Urban Development and Land.

“Today, practically, we are present in this grand ceremony of the inauguration of the Nilabagh township by China for Afghanistan to assist in solving the problems of the Afghan people. I take pride and congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the commencement of this project,” said Zhao Xing, the Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan.

The deputy prime minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, at the opening ceremony of the project asked China to work jointly for regional connectivity with Afghanistan.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar emphasized that now is the opportunity for investment in the country, and domestic and foreign investors can invest in industries, agriculture, trade, and electricity as well as in construction projects.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan thanks China for the practical start of the Nilabagh project and hopes to work jointly on important issues such as regional connectivity with this neighboring country,” he said.

The deputy prime minister for administrative affairs, Abdul Salam Hanafi, said that the Islamic Emirate wants good and positive relations with the countries of the region and beyond, and that Afghan territory will not be a threat to any country.

Hanafi emphasized that corruption has been eliminated, and in the past year, some infrastructure projects have also commenced.

“Security is a great Elahi blessing that the Afghan nation has enjoyed after years -- and administrative corruption, which was another calamity, has Alhamdullillah, been eradicated,” he added.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar also askes the Ministry of Urban Development and Land and the Kabul Municipality to put an end to construction problems in Kabul and allow construction work to begin, so employment opportunities for the citizens can be provided and the infrastructure can increase.